Gwydir Day Care

The Friendly Staff of

Moree Gwydir Day

Care are always available to answer

any concerns you may have regarding

your child. Please do not hesitate to

speak with your child’s Carer or the

Director.

Our Staff

Hours of Operation The Centre is open from 7.45am to 5.45pm , Monday to Friday, fifty (50) weeks per year.

The Centre closes for two (2) weeks during the Christmas/New Year break and for Public

Holidays.

Parents are to drop children off after 7.45am and collect them, speak to staff and sign out

BEFORE 5.45pm.

MOREE PLAINS

SHIRE COUNCIL

2013 Information Brochure

Gwydir Day

Care & Preschool

Inside:

Our Play Rooms 2

Day to Day 2

Starting your

Child

4

Parents 4

Confidentiality 6

Medications 6

Payment 7

Rules & Regulations 10

Licencing 10

MEET THE STAFF

DIRECTOR Katrina Maas

GUMNUT ROOM 0-2 Years

Barbara du Boulay Group Leader (Monday - Wednesday)

Belinda Cubis Assistant Group Leader (Thursday - Friday)

Robyn Lysaght Child Care Assistant (Monday - Friday)

Joanne Catterall Child Care Assistant (Monday - Friday)

Amber Boydell Child Care Assistant (Monday - Friday)

SUNDEW ROOM 2-3.5 Years (Monday - Friday)

Belinda Cubis Group Leader (Monday - Tuesday)

Anita Berry Child Care Assistant (Monday - Friday)

Renae Cronin Group Leader (Wednesday - Friday)

WATTLE ROOM 3-5 Years

Alison Robinson Teacher/2IC (Monday - Friday)

Ami-Lea Foote Child Care Assistant (Monday - Friday)

OTHER STAFF

Shirley Johnson Child Care Assistant (Floater)

Lynne Collier Child Care Assistant (Relief)

Monique Van Driest Child Care Assistant (Relief)

Dayne Kross Admin Officer 8am - 1pm (Wednesday - Friday)

Marie O’Neill (Casual)

Shennon Brett (Casual)

Emma Croft (Casual)

The Centre has three playrooms

The Gumnut Room 0– 2 year olds

The Sundew Room 2– 3.5 year olds

The Wattle Room 3– 5 year olds

Capacity We are currently licensed for 56 children/day, (20) 0-2’s, (16) 2-3’s

and (20) 3-5 years. Children move up from room to room once they

have turned 2 or 31/2 year old and are also considered

“ready” (providing there is a vacancy on the desired day).

Staff consider the emotional readiness of the child as well as factors

such as self-toileting competence.

Our Play Rooms

Day to Day

Nappies

What to Bring

A nutritious lunch

Morning and Afternoon tea

Drinks

Spare set of clothes

A clearly named hat

Bottles/Dummies/Comforter Nappies etc

Warmer or cooler change of clothes when weather is changing

Please label ALL items

A nutritious lunchbox may include:

A sandwich

A salad

Last night’s leftovers

Savoury biscuits eg. jatz/shapes

Spaghetti/baked beans

Cheese and yoghurts

Fruit dried or fresh

Muesli bars

Water or plain milk

What NOT to Bring

These items are not allowed at the Centre either for health reasons or

because they represent a choking hazard. They will be sent home with a

note in your child’s lunchbox:

Chocolate items - includes biscuits, milk, custard, muesli bars, chips,

lollies, soft drink, roll-ups, hard jelly

Fast foods (McDonald’s, KFC, etc.)

ANY PEANUT PRODUCTS

“If you want

your children

to be

intelligent, read

them fairy

tales. If you

want them to

be more

intelligent, read

them more

fairy tales.”

- Albert

Einstein

Page 2 Gwydir Day Care & Preschool

Children enjoying learning

Day to Day

Page 3 Information Brochure

Nappies

Parents are required to supply sufficient nappies for their child for each day in care. Disposable or

cloth nappies may be supplied, however, parents choosing to supply cloth nappies must also

provide nappy solution and a nappy bucket with a lid. Parents are required to set up and empty

the bucket each day.

Lost and Found

Marking all of your child’s belongings (lunchboxes, hats and clothing) helps us to return items to

their rightful owner. A Lost and Found box is located in each room. If items in this box are not

claimed within a reasonable timeframe, they will be donated to charity. Older children are en-

couraged to take responsibility for their own belongings, and to store them in their locker.

Excursions

Excursions are encouraged. All excursions are planned well ahead with s risk management plan

completed prior, and written parental permission will be sought. A First Aid Certificate holder with a mini first aid kit will attend all excursions. All excursions follow the Education and Care

Services National Regulations.

Acceptable Behaviour (for children)

All children have a right to a happy, secure environment. Acceptable behaviour is different for

each child and for each stage of development. Behaviour is unacceptable when it interferes with

or injures another child. At the Centre our staff:

1. Remind children of limits in a positive way.

2. Encourage children to resolve conflicts with problem solving techniques.

3. Model socially acceptable behaviour.

4. Use an appropriate tone of voice.

5. Redirect children to more appropriate activities

6. Encourage and appreciate positive behaviour at all times.

Acceptable Behaviour (from adults)

Moree Plains Shire Council is committed to excellence in customer service and as such will not

tolerate any form of aggression towards any other person, including staff, whilst within the

grounds of the Centre. Should you display such behaviour you will be asked to leave our premis-

es. Failure to do so will necessitate the attendance of the police.

Vacation Care

We are only able to offer vacation care positions for children aged up to 6 years. Vacation care

will only be offered if there are vacancies in our Preschool room.

Regulations state that if the care provided for school-aged children is detrimental to the care of-

fered to younger children attending the Centre, then this care must cease.

Additional Needs Children

Children with Additional Needs are welcomed into our Centre. Staff will

treat each child as an individual and will support his/her own special

needs, through an integrated approach. We are able to work closely with

the staff at Moree and District Early Intervention Service, and with the

Child Development Team at the Hospital.

Assessment of Children

The staff in this Centre use observation records for programming for chil-

dren. These records are used to plan activities within the Centre and are

evaluated daily. Each child has a developmental portfolio which contains

work samples, observations and photos of their time at gwydir Day Care

and Preschool. Parents are informed of any concerns we may have BE-

FORE any other agencies are contacted. No referrals can be undertaken

without parental permission.

Day to Day

“Children are

great

imitators, so

give them

something

great to

imitate”

- Anonymous


Starting your Child

First Days

You are welcome to stay with your child on their first days, for as long as

you are able, preferably until your child settles and seems happy to be left

without you. Each child reacts very differently to a new experience such as

Day Care, some children settle well in their first week, others take much

longer. Be prepared for some difficult (and heart wrenching) moments,

accept them while they are happening, but know that they will pass.

Saying Goodbye

Parents are encouraged not to just leave a child. Rather, say “Goodbye, and

I will come back and pick you up after I finish work”.

Parents are most welcome to telephone the Centre during the day to reas-

sure themselves that their child has settled in.

Withdrawal of Children

Two weeks notice is required when withdrawing children from care or a re-

duction in days of care or two weeks fees will be charged. Forms are

available at the office.

Continue >


Orientation

Parents and children are able to visit the Centre for short periods before enrolment. Fees are

not charged for this time, however, the parents must stay with their child.

Relationships with Parents

We believe that our role is to support the family, and that we work together as partners in the

care and early education of children. Parents are welcome in the Centre at any time. Comments,

suggestions and programme evaluations are valued.

Parent Involvement

Parents are welcome visitors at any time. Parents and other family members are encouraged to

share a cultural activity with the children such as craft, cooking, musical experience - your input

into our program is valued.

Parents are also welcomed to and encouraged to at-tend our Parent Committee meetings. These are held

on the last Wednesday of each month, at 6.00 pm at

the Centre. Please look for notices on the front door

or the purple notice board in the foyer.

Parents

Parent/Centre Communication

Each family is allocated a pocket outside their oldest child’s room. This is

used to distribute information, e.g. our monthly newsletters, accounts and

receipts.

The purple board on the wall between the babies and toddlers rooms in

the foyer is used to convey information to parents. The message books next to your child’s sign in/out book are also used to let parents know

about their child’s day.

Parent Grievance

We value parents’ comments and suggestions. If you have any concerns

in any area of our work, please follow this procedure:

1. Speak with your child's group leader. He/she will be able to arrange

with the Director for additional staff to supervise children so you and the

carer can speak freely.

2. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, then please arrange a time

to speak with the Director.

3. If not satisfied with outcome forward a letter to the Parent

Committee and Council.

“Your

Children

need your

presence

more than

your

presents”

- Jesse

Jackson


Confidentiality

All information the Centre contains on your family, including phone num-

bers, child development records, etc. are treated as confidential - no infor-

mation will be given out without prior permission.

For further information regarding privacy please refer to the Information

Management Statement included in your enrolment pack.

Diversity

Children and staff come from different cultural backgrounds and family situa-

tions and it is our aim to enhance and maintain this diversity by providing a

multicultural and anti-bias program.

Visitor/Parent Safety Procedures

All visitors are to announce their arrival and departure from the Centre at

the office and sign the visitor’s book. Visitors are not permitted to enter the

playrooms without seeing office staff (or another staff member) first.

Parents and visitors are asked to remember that Smoking is not permitted

within the GROUNDS of the Centre. Please do not drop your cigarette

butts at the front of the Centre as small children pick them up and put them

in their mouth.

The front door and those into the playrooms are to be kept closed at all

times.

Medications

Medication Book

Staff maintain a medication book in each room. If your child requires med-

ication to be administered during the day please see staff in your child’s

room. All medication must be signed for by a parent/guardian.

No medication is to be administered without consent except in an emer-

gency (e.g. an Asthma attack).

Before paracetamol may be administered in an emergency, staff will check

the child's file (located in the office) to determine whether they have con-

sent or not. Every effort will be made to contact either parents or the

emergency contact before administering emergency medications.

Supply of Medication

All medicines must be supplied by the parent, however, the Centre does

supply Panadol for "one off" doses and an Emergency Asthma Kit. When

this type of incident occurs staff will endeavour to contact the parent first and the parent will be required to sign the medication book when they

arrive to collect the child.

Continue >

“Children are

great

imitators, so

give them

something

great to

imitate”

- Anonymous


Labelling of Medicines

All medications (including over-the-counter and non prescription medications) must have a label

from your doctor or chemist clearly stating the child’s name, dosage and frequency of dosage.

Please ensure medications are stored out of reach of children according to the instructions on the

packet. Medication must never be left in a child's bag.

Administration of Medication

Medications being administered must be checked by the staff member administering it and a staff

witness. The medication books need to be signed by both staff members. This is to protect staff and

to ensure the child is receiving the correct medication and dose.

Sick Children

If your child is ill please do not bring them to the Centre as this increases the risk of other children

and staff becoming unwell.

If a child arrives at the Centre and is ill he/she must be assessed by a trained member of staff before

the parent leaves the Centre.

Please note that there are several INFECTIOUS diseases that require exclusion from the

Centre. Please refer to our Exclusion Policy located in our Policy Manual.

If a child becomes unwell during the course of the day, a trained staff member may contact a parent

to take the child home.

Our Centre does not have the staff or the facilities to care for sick children.

Payment

Payment of Fees

A two week fee payment is required during the first week of care. This en-

sures that fees are always one week in advance. If you are experiencing diffi-

culties with your fees please speak to the Director.

In the event that your account falls consistently in arrears we reserve the

right to reduce or cancel your booking at the Centre. The account will be

forwarded to Council’s Debt Recovery Officer.

It is our aim to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in an effort to accom-

modate the individual needs of our parents and we hope that you feel able to

approach us at any time regarding your account.

Continue >

If your account falls four weeks in arrears without any correspondence

from you explaining why payment is late, your account will be handed on

to the Debt Recovery Officer at the Moree Plains Shire Council for collec-

tion and your child’s position at the Centre cancelled.

Late Fees

Parents must abide by the Centre’s hours of operation. We require chil-

dren to be collected before 5.40 pm so as to ensure staff can tidy Centre,

lock up and depart the premises by 5.45 pm.

A late fee of $18.00 for the first 15 minutes (or part thereof) and a further

$2.00 per minute thereafter will be charged in the event of late

pickup. This charge is not subject to any childcare benefit.

Fees for Absences & Holidays

When you book a position for your child, you must pay fees for this posi-

tion even if your child is absent (for example, due to illness) on their usual

day of attendance.

There will be no refund for booked casual days if your child is absent with-

out notice. You are entitled to 2 weeks (2 x booked days) annual leave

each financial year where you are charged a holding fee of 75% of your

normal weekly fee.

Payment

“Each day of

our lives we

make deposits

in the memory

bank of our

Children”

- Charles R.

Swindoll


It is very important that parents understand that they have BOOKED, not the

days or hours that they attend. Forms advising of leave dates are available in

the rooms and at the office.

Days cannot be swapped around, if extra days are needed these are

considered additional and will be charged accordingly.

There is no charge if your booked day falls on a PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

Method of Payment

At Gwydir Day Care we accept credit card, EFTPOS, direct deposit, cheque

or cash as a payment method.

There is provision for credit card details for busy parents to complete at

home and then seal in one of our payment envelopes and either handed into

the staff at reception or put in our fees box for collection later.

Continue >

Payment


Cash and cheques may also be sealed in a fee envelope and put in the

locked fees box if reception is unattended.

Unfortunately the childcare staff are unable to process EFTPOS transac-

tions if the office is unattended.

Gwydir Day Care and Preschool is owned and

managed by Moree Plains Shire Council.

The Centre was established in 1985 and was orig-

inally located in Adelaide Street under the name

Gayngil. It was relocated to the current premises

in July1998.

We cater primarily for working parents but also

Gywdir Day Care and

Preschool Centre

8 Orana Ave

Moree NSW 2400

Australia

P: (02) 6757 3399

F: (02) 6751 1101

E: gwydir.daycare@

mpsc.nsw.gov.au

MOREE PLAINS

SHIRE COUNCIL

GWYDIR DAY

CARE AND

PRESCHOOL

Priority Of Access

Our Centre is partially funded by the Department of Family and Community

Services (FACS) and the Department of Education and Communities and

access is determined by their guidelines and regulations –

First Priority – A child at serious risk of abuse or neglect

Second Priority – A child of a single parent who satisfies, or of both

parents who satisfy, the work/training/studying test under Section 14 of the

Family Assistance Act.

Third Priority – Any other child.

Priorities within each category of priority – Within each priority mentioned

above there are further priorities, which we must refer to.

Priority at re-enrolment will be given to people wishing permanent places, if

there are any vacancies after this time children starting school will be offered places.

Non Working Families

Care is offered to non-working families when days are available, i.e. when

working families do not need spaces. You may be asked to change your day or

relinquish your space should it be required by a working parent.

Please note that we request children of non-working parent/s be dropped off

after 8.45 am and be collected by 4.30 pm so as to enable us to adhere to staff:

child ratios at all times.

Family Law

In cases where a custody ruling exists, we need a copy of any Access Order

issued by the Courts. Services are not legally able to allow children to leave

the Centre without the permission of the custodial parent. Where

confrontation situations arise over collection of the child, the child will be kept

at the Centre and other agencies contacted i.e. the Police and the Department

of Community Services.

Child Abuse

(As per Children & Young Persons (Care & Protection) Act 1998

All childcare workers have a mandatory responsibility to report suspected

child abuse/sexual assault to the Department of Community Services, without

notification to parents.

Rules and Regulations

Gwydir Day Care and Preschool Centre

We love Kids

The Gwydir Day

Care and Preschool

is a fully accredited,

licensed facility.

Acceditation

Images, with the exception of the staff, used in this brochure do not reflect Gywdir Day Centre or it’s Facilities.

Licencing

The Department of Education and Communities is the licencing body for all

day care services in NSW.

Gwydir Day Care and Preschool must ensure that it adheres to the Educa-

tion and Care Services National Regulations and National Quality Framework

(NQF) at all times. A copy of these regulations are kept on the Centre prem-

ises at all times.

Documents

Gwydir Day Care